Search form

Search form

Volunteering can make you a better leader, writes Karin Hurt. Donating your time gives you a chance to try out new skills, face new challenges, meet new people and explore new fields. "Volunteering is an investment in the community -- and in your growth as leader," Hurt writes.

Related Summaries

Plenty of people feel stuck in their careers at one time or another, but there are ways to overcome this type of professional inertia, writes Kathy Caprino. It's critical to figure out what matters to you, to learn from your current situation and to adjust your approach as necessary. For example, if you want more professional responsibility, do what you can to prove your skills. "Volunteer to lead a new project, step up to spearhead an important new program, start a new networking group -- do something that demonstrates your leadership talent," she advises.

Establish relationships with multiple upper-level executives at your company so you won't be left in a tough spot if one of your most trusted mentors leaves, writes Sylvia Ann Hewlett, CEO of the Center for Talent Innovation. "You need to make yourself visible to a wide range of high-level managers across divisions," she writes. "Volunteer for formal mentoring programs as a mentor, or sign up for a high-profile position in another leadership development program."

Volunteers have a 27% better chance of landing a job, according to a survey by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The review of census data revealed the improved job prospects regardless of a person's sex, age, ethnicity, geographic area or job market conditions. "Volunteering can help job seekers develop skills and expand professional contacts, creating a positive impression that can make a big difference in a competitive job market," said agency CEO Wendy Spencer.

Many business leaders spend time volunteering, writes Karin Hurt. That gives bosses a chance to hone their skills in a non-hierarchical environment, meet people and explore new fields. "Volunteering is an investment in the community -- and in your growth as leader," Hurt writes.

A job seeker who was new to a community says she found that volunteering provided her a way to connect and help others -- and that prompted others to help her find a job. "Volunteering gives an opportunity for people to know about you and then they become willing to go out on a limb for you," she says.